Geoffrey Cowley

National writer for msnbc.com, covering health policy and politics more

Geoffrey Cowley is a veteran journalist and advocate who has spent nearly three decades covering health, science and public policy. He joined MSNBC in January 2013 to report on the politics of health. While closely following the national debate over health care reform, he also writes frequently about the health impact of social inequality—from unintended pregnancy to obesity, chronic disease and early death—and the prospects for easing health disparities.

As Newsweek magazine's health editor from 1990 to 2006, Cowley chronicled scientific progress in fields ranging from nutrition to neuroscience. He also reported extensively on HIV/AIDS and other conditions associated with poverty and underdevelopment, and he coordinated a successful partnership between Newsweek and Harvard Medical School. His professional honors include a Clarion award, a Unity Award, a National Press Club Consumer Journalism Award and several National Magazine Award nominations.

Cowley has also worked as a government official and public-health advocate. He served as an associate New York City Health Commissioner from 2006 to 2011, leading the teams responsible for press relations, social marketing and emergency communications. After leaving city government, he spent two years advising local, national and international organizations on public-health communications.

He lives in New York City with his wife, Susan Pelzer, and his son, Colin.